Lancaster Crime Rate

Lancaster's crime statistics reflect its status as a busy historic and university city. The area has an overall crime rate of 106.7 per 1,000 people, which is above the UK average of 91.7. This is accompanied by a safety score of 77/100, slightly below the national benchmark of 79. The crime trend in Lancaster is currently stable, showing a negligible 0.4% increase year-over-year. While these figures indicate a higher frequency of reported incidents than in more rural areas, they are consistent with many urban centres of similar size and demographic. The following analysis provides a deeper look into the specific types of crime prevalent in Lancaster and how the city compares to its neighbours.

About Lancaster

Lancaster is a historic city and the administrative centre of its namesake district in Lancashire. It is characterised by a unique blend of heritage architecture, a major university, and a bustling city centre. The presence of Lancaster University and the University of Cumbria brings a significant student population to the area, which can influence crime statistics due to higher population density and transient residents. Lancaster also serves as a key transport hub for the region, with the West Coast Main Line and proximity to the M6 motorway.

Economically, the city relies on education, healthcare, and retail, which drive daytime activity. The evening economy, supported by a variety of pubs and restaurants, also contributes to the local atmosphere. These factors, combined with the city's role as a regional service centre, mean that crime rates are often influenced by activity in the commercial and entertainment districts. While Lancaster has many quiet residential areas, the concentration of people in the urban core and near the university campuses is a primary factor in the reported crime figures.

Crime Breakdown in Lancaster

In Lancaster, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types, accounting for 4,924 incidents or 31.9% of the total. Anti-social behaviour is a very close second, representing 29.7% of all reports, followed by criminal damage and arson at 8.5%. This suggests that social nuisance and personal safety are the primary concerns for residents and local law enforcement.

Property crime in Lancaster occurs at a rate of 30.5 per 1,000 people, which is slightly lower than the UK average. This category is made up of several types, including other theft (5.1%), shoplifting (5.0%), burglary (4.8%), and vehicle crime (3.3%). For homeowners and residents, the combined impact of burglary and criminal damage is significant. While burglary rates are moderate at 5.1 per 1,000, the high level of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage suggests that properties may be at risk of opportunistic vandalism or theft. Robust security measures are therefore advisable to protect homes and vehicles in both urban and suburban parts of the district.

Crime Trends in Lancaster

The crime trend in Lancaster is remarkably stable, with a year-over-year change of just 0.4%. This indicates that the volume of reported incidents has remained consistent over the past two years. However, looking at the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025, there are clear seasonal variations.

The rate was at its lowest in October 2025 (8.1 per 1,000) and January 2025 (8.4). Conversely, activity peaked during the spring and summer months, reaching 9.5 per 1,000 in both May and August. This pattern suggests that crime in Lancaster may increase during periods of better weather and higher tourist activity. For residents, this means that while the overall trend is stable, extra care should be taken during the summer months when opportunistic crimes and anti-social behaviour are statistically more likely to occur. Understanding these monthly shifts can help residents better prepare and secure their properties throughout the year.

When comparing Lancaster to the wider region, it occupies a middle ground. Its crime rate of 106.7 per 1,000 is significantly lower than Blackpool, which has a much higher rate of 207.0. However, Lancaster is notably more active than its other neighbours; Wyre, Ribble Valley, Preston, Fylde, and Pendle all report much lower crime volumes in comparative data. This contrast highlights Lancaster's role as a major hub for the district, attracting more people for work, study, and leisure, which naturally leads to higher reported crime figures than the surrounding residential and rural areas. For those looking for a balance between urban life and safety, Lancaster remains a much more secure option than the region's larger coastal resorts.

With a property crime rate of 30.5 per 1,000 people, Lancaster residents should prioritise effective home security to protect against burglary and criminal damage. Most traditional security systems are reactive, meaning they only alert you or record footage once a crime has already begun. In a city where anti-social behaviour and criminal damage are relatively common, this reactive approach is often insufficient.

scOS offers a proactive solution by using AI to detect threats at the perimeter of your property. Rather than just recording a burglary, scOS is designed to prevent it. The system's multi-camera intelligence watches for suspicious patterns and can autonomously trigger deterrents like lights and alerts to scare off intruders before they can cause damage. For Lancaster homeowners, this means moving from simply having evidence of a crime to stopping it from happening in the first place. Investing in professional-grade, proactive protection like scOS is a powerful way to ensure your home stays safe in an urban environment.

How To Keep Safe in Lancaster

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types in Lancaster, followed closely by anti-social behaviour. To stay safe, particularly in the city centre and around university campuses, it is important to remain aware of your surroundings after dark.

Stick to well-lit, populated routes and try to avoid walking alone late at night. If you are a student or resident, familiarise yourself with the city's safer travel schemes and use reputable taxi services. To combat anti-social behaviour, ensure your property's exterior is well-lit and consider joining a local neighbourhood watch group to stay informed about issues in your specific area. Additionally, keeping valuables out of sight when in busy public places can help prevent opportunistic theft. By staying vigilant and taking these practical precautions, you can help ensure your personal safety while enjoying everything Lancaster has to offer.